Servings: 4
SmartPoints (per serving): ~4–6 (varies based on cut and coating)
Cooking Method: Oven-baked, no frying

🧂 Ingredients:

Chicken:

  • 4 skinless chicken drumsticks or thighs (bone-in or boneless)
    (use chicken breast tenders for leanest option — 0 Points on many plans)

Buttermilk Marinade:

  • ½ cup low-fat buttermilk (or ½ cup milk + 1 tsp lemon juice)
  • 1 tsp hot sauce (optional)
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper

Crispy “KFC-Style” Coating:

  • 1 cup cornflake crumbs (or crushed Special K, or WW-approved breadcrumbs)
  • ¼ cup whole wheat flour (optional for extra crunch)
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp dried thyme
  • ½ tsp dried basil
  • ½ tsp oregano
  • ½ tsp chili powder or cayenne (optional for heat)
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • Olive oil spray

🔥 Instructions:

  1. Marinate the chicken:
    • In a bowl or Ziploc bag, combine buttermilk, hot sauce, salt, and pepper.
    • Add chicken and marinate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best flavor.
  2. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking tray with parchment or foil, and place a wire rack on top (if available) to keep chicken crispy underneath.
  3. Prepare the coating:
    • In a shallow bowl, mix cornflake crumbs, flour (if using), and all the seasonings.
  4. Dredge chicken pieces in the coating mixture, pressing to adhere well.
  5. Spray lightly with olive oil spray to help crisp.
  6. Bake for 30–35 minutes (breasts/tenders) or 40–45 minutes (drumsticks/thighs), flipping once halfway through, until golden and crispy.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions (0 Points):

  • Steamed green beans or broccoli
  • Cauliflower mash
  • WW-friendly coleslaw (Greek yogurt base)

💡 WW Tips:

  • Use boneless, skinless chicken breast tenders to reduce points
  • Cornflakes or Special K are lower-point crispy options vs. panko
  • Avoid traditional frying — this oven method gives crisp without the oil